Health Blog

Cardiomyopathy and hope for Randy Travis’ recovery

Most of us consider heart disease a condition of people with serious underlying medical problems including hypertension and diabetes. But sometimes heart disease can occur in otherwise healthy people as a result of a viral infection, pregnancy, or alcohol abuse.

In Randy Travis’ case, what began as cold symptoms (according to Foxnews sources), escalated in severity to involve the heart. Acquired viral cardiomyopathy causes the heart to become weakened and unable to efficiently pump oxygenated blood to vital organs of the body. Shortness of breath symptoms can mimic pneumonia causing delay in diagnosis. It is also possible that a viral infection can exacerbate any underlying heart issues.

According to Baylor Heart Hospital cardiologist, Dr. Sarah Samaan, M.D., viral cardiomyopathy is a rare immunological response to viral antibodies that attack the heart. A weakened heart cannot circulate blood to the body. Dr. Samaan reports that the combination of pooled blood in the heart and the lack of an effective heart pump could potentially increase the risk for stroke (although this is not seen often).

Dr. Samaan reports that complications from cardiomyopathy are infrequent due to recent advances in medical supportive care. Special heart medications including beta blockers, diuretics, and ace-inhibitors help to maintain or improve cardiac function when it is most compromised.

In most cases (up to 50%), viral cardiomyopathy is reversible. In my practice, on the other hand, one young female patient has an implanted automatic defibrillator to automatically restart her heart should it become too flaccid and unable to adequately pump blood. She is one of approximately 20-30% of patients with viral cardiomyopathy who will experience ongoing heart problems and require continuous monitoring. Up to 20% of patients with viral cardiomyopathy may require a heart transplant or ultimately die from heart-related complications.

I know we all share in hope for Randy Travis’ recovery. His contributions to music are immeasurable and helped mainstream country music so much that even my rockin’ teen daughter downloads his music from iTunes. We all hope that Randy Travis, just like his song, lives on Forever and Forever, Amen.

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Health, fitness, nutrition and medical matters for you and your Dallas-Fort Worth family.